This mid-'60s concert was one of
Lateef's finest, as it perfectly displayed his multiple influences and interests. There were hard bop originals, covers of jazz classics like
Leonard Feather's "Twelve Tone Blues" and an unorthodox but effective version of
Ma Rainey's "See See Rider." On "Sister Mamie" and "Number 7," and drummer
James Black's "The Magnolia Triangle,"
Lateef moves away from strict jazz, although he retained his improvisational flair.
Lateef played meaty tenor sax solos and entrancing flute and bamboo flute offerings, and also had impressive stints on oboe, shenai, and argol. This was a pivotal date in his career, and those unaware of it will get a treat with this disc. ~ Ron Wynn